Remembering September 11th

Statement

As we all come together today -- joining with our fellow Virginians and all Americans -- we remember the horrific events that took place ten years ago on September 11th, 2001.

Against the backdrop of a bright blue sky, we saw unimaginable images of horror as our innocent nation was attacked. We watched innocent souls flee to safety as many brave men and women ran towards the danger, into the collapsing and burning buildings to save their fellow Americans from a fiery death while thinking nothing of the risks to themselves.

Now, ten years later, we continue to honor those victims who are no longer with us, those who lost their lives in New York City, in a field in Pennsylvania, and in Virginia, across the river from our nation's capital at the Pentagon.

And as we comfort our family, friends, and fellow Americans who were affected by the attacks, we remember the heroic actions of the first responders and all of those who bravely and selflessly sacrificed to help those in need.

We salute our veterans and our servicemen and women both at home and abroad, including the Virginia Navy Seals who helped bring Osama bin Laden to justice. We salute the thousands of brave American soldiers who have answered the call of duty and have gone to the defense of our nation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the world, courageously fighting to keep our country safe.

It is because of the tremendous sacrifices that have been made by so many -- our first responders, our military, our intelligence community -- that we here in America are safe and can live in peace and can live in freedom.

The tragic terror attacks on September 11th, 2001 forever changed the course of our nation. We were all affected by the horror, shock, and devastation of that day perpetrated by those who sought to destroy our American way of life.

But even in those dark hours, in the aftermath of the destruction, and in this post 9/11 world, we are constantly reminded of the resilience of our American spirit and the strength of our democracy that has persevered in the face of tragedy.

So as we remember this day, I hope that you will join me as we once again stand together, united in our commitment to protecting and defending our nation, our freedom, and our American ideals from those who seek to do us harm.

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